Accurate 3D shape measurement via fringe analysis methods requires the determination of the absolute phase map of the
object. In this paper, we present a novel method for absolute phase retrieval developed for use with the Fourier transform
method for fringe analysis. A cross-shaped marker is embedded in the fringe pattern that is projected to the object. The
position of the marker in the captured fringe image is detected and later used in calculating the absolute phase map. For
phase analysis of the fringe image, the marker is removed and the sinusoidal intensity distribution of the fringe pattern is
restored before the Fourier transform method is applied. This paper focuses on the concept of absolute phase retrieval
from a single fringe pattern as well as techniques on marker detection and removal. Experimental results on absolute
phase retrieval and 3D reconstruction are also presented to show the feasibility of the proposed method.